Bowel cancer is the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand. One out of 6, meaning 3000 kiwis, are affected by this deadly disease, and an estimated 1200 people die from bowel cancer yearly.
Symptoms may include:
- A consistent change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, or a change in stool consistency
- Blood in your feces or rectal bleeding
- Constant stomach pain, cramps, gas, or discomfort
- A sensation that your bowel does not empty
- Weakness or exhaustion
- Unknown cause of weight loss
Bowel Cancer NZ is an organisation which empower people through providing knowledge and education about the disease and information about the treatments available. They can also provide support for those affected by this disease.
There are several different types of treatment available for those who have been diagnosed with this cancer. The course of treatment will be determined by several factors, including the cancer stage, the tumor’s location, and the patient’s overall health.
The most common treatments for this disease include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Bowel cancer surgery is usually the first step in treatment and may be followed by adjuvant therapy, which is an additional treatment to help kill any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used as a neoadjuvant therapy before surgery to shrink the tumor.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Decembeard is an event that encourages people to know more about bowel cancer. This event encourages men to grow a beard during December. The purpose of it is to start conversations about the disease and to raise funds for research, awareness and support people living with this type of cancer.
Everyone can get involved, encourage your fathers, brothers, husbands, boyfriends, partners, and male friends to ditch their razors and grow a beard.
If you want to learn more about bowel cancer or Decembeard, please visit the Bowel Cancer NZ website.
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